The future workforce
Large housing developments and new communities are popping up across Melbourne’s west. It is one of the fastest-growing regions in Australia. There is no shortage of job opportunities.
From transport and logistics to health care and education, there are options available for those starting their career or looking to change. Major hubs include Werribee, Wyndham Vale, Footscray, Sunshine and Melton.
Many construction activities are planned to support a growing population in the coming years. There is a large pipeline of work. This will create thousands of jobs in the coming years, so people who live in the area can find work close to home.
Top jobs with a VET pathway
Below are some top occupations in western metropolitan Melbourne which can be entered through a Vocational Education and Training (VET) pathway. Figures show the number of workers in 2023 and the new workers expected to enter the workforce by 2026.
‘New workers expected’ accounts for workers adding new jobs to the economy and replacing retirees over the next 3 years. These forecasts are estimates only. There will be additional jobs available as people move between jobs and industries.
| Occupation | Workers 2023 | Workforce growth 2023-2026 | New workers needed by 2026 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aged and disabled carers | 5,934 | 5.9% | 1,728 |
| Registered nurses | 7,298 | 2.5% | 1,024 |
| Child carers | 6,033 | 2.1% | 627 |
| Education aides | 3,390 | 1.7% | 458 |
| Construction managers | 3,958 | 1.1% | 357 |
Top industries
Below are the top 10 industries in western metropolitan Melbourne in 2023. Figures show the number of workers in 2023 and the new workers expected to enter the workforce by 2026.
‘New workers expected’ accounts for workers adding new jobs to the economy and replacing retirees over the next 3 years. These forecasts are estimates only. There will be additional jobs available as people move between jobs and industries.
| Industry | Workers 2023 | Workforce growth 2023-2026 | New workers needed by 2026 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Health care and social assistance | 47,915 | 3.6% | 8,507 |
| Accommodation and food services | 23,696 | 2.5% | 3,095 |
| Education and training | 35,642 | 2.2% | 5,003 |
| Professional, scientific and technical services | 19,044 | 1.7% | 1,865 |
| Transport, postal and warehousing | 43,612 | 1.0% | 4,737 |
| Public administration and safety | 20,484 | 1.0% | 1,899 |
| Manufacturing | 30,443 | 0.9% | 2,785 |
| Other services | 15,161 | -0.1% | 804 |
| Construction | 40,773 | -0.1% | 2,151 |
| Retail trade | 41,888 | -0.6% | 1,418 |
Resources to plan your next steps
Visit our Melbourne’s western region profile to learn more about:
- where you can do a training course
- local career stories
- help finding a job and planning a career in your area
- future job growth and top industries in the region.
Explore growing industries across Victoria
Training and careers in growing industries
Learn about high demand industries in Victoria. Find out where you could work, what kind of job you could do, and what training you’ll need.
Training and careers in your region
Explore training, skills and job opportunities in your area of Victoria. Find out where you could work, what kind of job you could do, and what training you’ll need.
* Sourced from Victorian Skills Authority Employment Forecast Dashboard. Note that the qualification levels required for these occupations will vary.
Updated